APAC
Digital wallets seize 65% of APAC payments
Digital wallets seize 65% of APAC payments
QR codes and low cost smartphones pushed wallet adoption across the region in 2025.
APAC private banking shifts as asset managers tighten grip
Geographically, China made up 30.50% of the private banking market size in 2025.
BNPL market to hit $1.6t by 2034 on e-commerce and smartphone surge
The interest-free BNPL segment is expected to hit a CAGR of 23% through 2034.
APAC transfer take rate sinks to 2.4% despite $0.62t flows
Africa posts highest regional charge at 5.5%, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean.
SMBC, Fujitsu and SoftBank build platform to slash $31b in health costs
They will create new businesses to streamline costs of prescriptions and treatments.
HSBC deploys $4b for Chinese clean energy firms seeking overseas expansion
The bank expects Singapore to play a central role in deploying the funds across ASEAN.
Wealth clients shift focus from returns to retirement security
Advisers face pressure to deliver faster service and broader financial planning.
Vietnam and Thailand NBFIs most exposed to energy shocks: Fitch
NBFIs in India and Indonesia face higher funding costs as currency depreciates.
Asia adds just 1 fintech unicorn in Q1 2026
Juspay raised $50m in January to hit a $1.2b valuation.
Citi targets APAC insurance investments with new senior hires
They have poached two BofA bankers to help lead its FIG group.
OCBC and Australian High Commission sign 5-year pact to boost SEA–Australia trade
OCBC aims to more than double flows by 2030.
APAC cross-border payments surge as trade drives $24t outlook
The region is projected to account for 36% of global outbound flows by 2033.
Chinese megabanks’ assets grow 16% as Japan and India stalls
Singaporean banks’ assets also logged double-digit growth in 2025.
SMBC names Elaine He as co-head of DCM in APAC ex. Japan
Elaine He joins from Morgan Stanley, where she was head of APAC debt syndicate.
IoT payments to grow 24% in APAC fintech
Southeast Asian markets made up around 25% of regional fintech activity.
Syfe hits $10b AUM as investors expand from US-only focus
It achieved group-wide profitability in Q4 2025.
Asia fintech share stalls at 20%
The US accounted for 47% of global fintech deals in Q1 2026.
Commentary
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